CLASS NOTES

ENGINEERING MECHANICS ENGINEERING MECHANICS (ES ME 301)

10. Friction:-

When two surfaces are in contact, these surfaces were either frictionless or rough.

A. If they were frictionless, the force each surface exerted on the other was normal to the
surfaces and the two surfaces could move freely with respect to each other.

B. If they were rough, it was assumed that tangential forces (Friction force) could develop to
prevent the motion of one surface with respect to the other.

Friction is the force that resists the movement of two contacting surfaces that slide relative to
one another. This force always acts tangent to the surface at the point of contact and is directed
so as to oppose the possible or existing motion between the surfaces.

10.1 Law of Friction

The laws of friction are exemplified by the following experiment.

1. A block of weight W is placed on a horizontal plane surface.

2. A horizontal force P is applied to the block. If P is small, the block will not move; some
other horizontal force must therefore exist, which balances P.This other force is the static
friction force F.

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 CLASS NOTES
ENGINEERING MECHANICS ENGINEERING MECHANICS (ES ME 301)

3. If the force P is increased, the friction force F also increases, continuing to oppose P, until
its magnitude reaches a certain maximum value Fm.

4. If P is further increased, the friction force cannot balance it anymore and the block start
sliding.

NOTE:

If N reach the point B before F reaches its maximum value, the block will tip about B before it can
start sliding.

5. As soon as the block has been set in motion, the magnitude of F drops from Fm to a lower
value Fk(kinetic friction force).

Then from the previous experiment;

The value Fm of the static friction force is proportional to the normal component N

𝑭𝒎 = 𝝁𝒔𝑵

Where

𝝁𝒔 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The magnitude Fk of the kinetic friction force may be put in the form

𝐅𝐤 = 𝛍𝐤𝐍

Where
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 CLASS NOTES
ENGINEERING MECHANICS ENGINEERING MECHANICS (ES ME 301)

𝝁𝒌 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

NOTES

1. The maximum frictional force F is proportional to the normal force N.

2. The limiting static friction force is greater than the kinetic frictional force.

From above, there are four different situations can occur when a rigid body is in contact with
a horizontal surface:

1. The forces applied to the body do not tend to move it along the surface of contact; there is
no friction force.

2. The applied forces tend to move the body along the surface of contact but are not large
enough to set it in motion. The friction force F which has developed can be found by solving
equation of equilibrium for the body. Since there is no evidence that F has reached its
maximum value, the equation 𝐅𝐦 = 𝛍𝐬𝐍 cannot be used to determine the friction
force.

F = Px
F < μsN
N = Py + W

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 CLASS NOTES
ENGINEERING MECHANICS ENGINEERING MECHANICS (ES ME 301)

3. The applied forces are such that the body is just about to slide. We say the motion is
impending. The friction force F has reached its maximum value Fm and, together with the
normal force N, balances the applied force. Both the equations of equilibrium and the equation
𝐅𝐦 = 𝛍𝐬𝐍 can be used.

Fm = Px
Fm = μsN
N = Py + W

4. The body is sliding under the action of the applied forces; and the equations of equilibrium
do not apply any more. However, F is now equal to Fk.

Fk < Px
Fk = μk N
N = Py + W

10.2 Coefficient of Friction.

The coefficient of static friction µs, is defined as the ratio of the magnitude of the maximum
static frictional force F, to the magnitude of the normal force N, between the two surfaces. It
is depend on the nature of the surfaces in contact.

𝑭𝒎
𝝁𝒔 =
𝐍

Approximate values of coefficient of static friction for various dry surfaces are given in the
following table. The corresponding values of the coefficient of kinetic friction would be about
25 percent smaller.

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 Surface in contact µs
Steel on steel 0.4-0.8
Wood on wood 0.2-0.5
Metal on stone 0.3-0.7
Rubber on concrete 0.6-0.8
10.3 Angle of Friction

Consider a body of weight W resting on an inclined plane.

Let the angle of inclination (α) be gradually increased, till the body just start sliding down the
plane. This angle of inclined plane (φ), at which a body just begins to slide down the plane, is
called the angle of friction. This is also equal to the angle, which the normal reaction makes
with the vertical.

tanφ= 𝑭 = 𝝁
𝑵 𝒔

10.4 Types of Friction Problems

Type 1. No apparent impending motion.

Type 2. Impending motion at all points of contact.

Type 3. Impending motion at some points of contact.

Type 1

Problems in this category are equilibrium problems, which require the number of unknowns
to be equal to the number of available equilibrium equations. Once the frictional forces are
determined from the solution, their values must be checked to be sure they satisfy 𝐹 ≤ 𝜇 𝑁

; Otherwise, slipping will occur and the body will not remain in equilibrium.
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Type 2

In this case the total number of unknowns will equal the total number of available equilibrium
equations plus the total number of available frictional equations 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁.

When motion is impending at the points of contact, then 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁 ;

whereas if the body is slipping, then 𝐹𝑘 = 𝜇𝑘

Finding the small angle at which the 100Nbar can

be placed against the wall without slipping.

Type 3

In this type, the number of unknowns will be less than the number of available equilibrium
equations plus the number of available frictional equations or conditional equations for
tipping. As a result, several possibilities for motion or impending motion will exist and the
problem will involve a determination of the kind of motion which actually occurs.

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Determine the horizontal force P needed to
cause movement.

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 Examples

Example(1):-
The uniform crate shown in figure has a mass of 20kg. If a force P=80N is applied to the
crate, determine if it remains in equilibrium. The coefficient of friction is 0.3.

Solution:-

→ ∑ Fx = 0
80 cos 30 − F = 0 F = 69.3N ←

↑ ∑ Fy = 0
−80 sin 30 + Nc − 196.2 = 0 Nc = 236.2N ↑

𝐺∑ 𝑀𝑂 = 0
80 sin 30(0.4) − 80 cos 30(0.2) + Nc(x) = 0
x = −0.00908m = −9.08mm
No tipping will occur since:-
1.𝐱 < 𝟎. 𝟒 𝐦 F.B.D.
2.𝐅 = 𝟔𝟗. 𝟑 < 𝐅𝐦𝐚𝐱 = μNc = 0.3(236.2) = 𝟕𝟎. 𝟗𝐍
⸫The crate was still in equilibrium.

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Example(2):-

It is observed that when the bed of the dump truck is raised to an angle of θ=25 the vending
machines will begin to slide off the bed, determine the static coefficient of friction between a
vending machine and the surface of the truck bed.

Solution:-
From the F.B.D

→ ∑ Fx = 0

W sin 25 − F = 0 (1)
↑∑ Fy = 0
N − Wcos25 = 0 (2)

From Eqs (1) and (2)

F = μN Wsin 25 = μ(Wcos 25)
𝜇 = tan 25 = 0.466

or from angle of friction p153.

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Example(3):-

A body, resting on a rough horizontal plane, required a pull of 180N inclined at 30º to the
plane just to move it. It was found that a push of 220N inclined at 30º to the plane just moved
the body. Determine the weight of the body and the coefficient of friction.

Solution:-
From a pull of 180N;

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

N1-W+180 sin 30º=0

N1=W-180 sin 30º=W-90

→ ∑ Fx = 0

180 cos 30º-F1=0

F1=180 cos 30º=180x0.866=155.9N
F1=Fm1=µs N1=µs(W-90)
155.9= µs(W-90) (1)
From a push of 220N
↑∑ Fy = 0
N2-W-220 sin 30º=0
N2=W+220 sin 30º=W+110
→∑ Fx = 0
F2-220 cos 30º=0
F2=220 cos 30º=220x0.866=190.5N
F2=Fm2=µs N2=µs(W+110)
190.5= µs(W+110) (2)
Dividing (1) by (2)
155.9 μs(W − 90) W − 90
= =
190.5 μs (W + 110) W + 110

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155.9W+17149=190.5W-17145
34.6W=34294
W=991.2N
Now substituting in (1)
155.9=µs(991.2-90)=901.2µs
µs=0.173

Example(4):-

A n inclined plane is used to unload slowly a body weighing 400N from a truck 1.2m high
into the ground. The coefficient of friction between the underside of the body and the plank is
0.3. State whether it is necessary to push the body down the plane or hold it back from sliding
down. What minimum force is required parallel to the plane for this purpose.

Solution:-
1.2
tan 𝛼 = = 0.5 𝛼 = 26.5°
2.4
1. N=W cos α=400 cos 26.5º=357.9N
Fm = μsN = 0.3 × 357.9 = 𝟏𝟎𝟕. 𝟑𝐍
Resolving the 400 N along the plane.
=400 sin α=400×sin 26.5º=178.5N
The force along the plane (which is responsible for
sliding the body) is more than the force of friction;
therefore, the body will slide down.
It is not necessary to push the body down the plane;
rather it is necessary to hold it back from sliding
down.
2. P=178.5-107.3=71.2N

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Example(5):-

Determine the magnitude and direction of the friction force acting on the 100kg block shown
if, first,P=500N and, second, P=100N.The coefficient of static friction is 0.2,and the
coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.17. The force is applied with the block initially at rest.

Solution:-
There is no way of telling from the statement of the problem
whether the block will remain in equilibrium or whether it
will begin to slip following the application of P, therefore
assume the block is in equilibrium;

→ ∑ Fx = 0

P cos 20 + F − 981 sin 20 = 0

↑ ∑ Fy = 0
F.B.D.
N − P sin 20 − 981 cos 20 = 0

1.P = 500 N subs in above eqs F = −134.3N N =

1093N

Fmax = μN = 0.2(1093) = 219N

F < Fmax then the assumption was correct F = 134.3N

down the plane

2.P = 100 N subs in above eqs F = 242N N = 956N

Fmax = μN = 0.2(956) = 191.2N
F > Fmax then the assumption was incorrect

Fk = μkN = 0.17(956) = 162.5N up the plane

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Example(6):-
The ladder has a uniform weight of 80N and rests against the wall at B.If the coefficient of
friction at A and B is 0.4, determine the smallest angle θ at which the ladder will not slip.

Solution:-
Since the ladder is required to be on the verge to slide
down, then:-
FA = μNA = 0.4NA

FB = μNB = 0.4NB

From the F.B.D.

→ ∑ Fx = 0

0.4NA − NB = 0 NB = 0.4NA (1)

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

NA + 0.4NB − 80 = 0 (2)
Solving eqs,(1) and (2)
NA = 68.97N NB = 27.59N

𝐺∑ MA = 0 F.B.D
0.4(27.59)(15 cos θ)
+ 27.59(15 sin θ) − 80 cos θ(7.5) = 0
413.79 sin θ − 434.48 cos θ = 0
sin 𝜃 434.48
tan 𝜃 = = = 1.05 𝜃 = 46.4
cos 𝜃 413.79

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Example(7):-

Two blocks A=100N and B=150N are resting on ground. Coefficient of friction between
ground and block B is 0.1 and that between block B and A is 0.3. find the minimum value of
weight P in that pan so that motion starts. Find whether B is stationary with respect to ground
and A moves or B is stationary with respect to A.

Solution:-
1.B is stationary and A moves
F.B.D of block A

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

𝑁1 + 𝑃 sin 30 − 100 = 0
𝑁1 = 100 − 𝑃 sin 30

→ ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠 30 − 0.3𝑁1 = 0
𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠 30 − 0.3(100 − 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛30) = 0
𝑃 = 29.53𝑁
2.A and B are moving together
F.B.D of block A and B

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

𝑁2 − 250 + 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛 30 = 0
𝑁2 = 250 − 𝑃𝑠𝑖𝑛 30

→ ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑠 30 − 0.1𝑁2 = 0
P=27.29N ∴ 𝑃 = 27.29𝑁

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Example(8):-

Three blocks are placed on the surface one above the other. The static coefficient of friction
between the blocks and block C and surface is shown in the figure. Determine the maximum
value of P that can be applied before any slipping take place.

Solution:-
1. Block A has impending motion and blocks B and
C remain intact
F.B.D of block A

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

𝑁1 − 80 = 0 ∴ 𝑁1 = 80𝑁

→ ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

0.4𝑁1 − 𝑃 = 0 ∴ 𝑃 = 32𝑁 ←

2. Blocks A and B together have impending motion

and block C remains intact.
F.B.D of blocks A and B

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

𝑁2 − (80 + 50) = 0 ∴ 𝑁2 = 130𝑁

→ ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

0.25𝑁2 − 𝑃 = 0 ∴ 𝑃 = 32.5𝑁 ←
3. All the three blocks together have impending
motion.

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F.B.D of blocks A, B and C

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

𝑁3 − (50 + 80 + 40) = 0 𝑁3 = 170𝑁

→ ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

0.15𝑁3 − 𝑃 = 0 ∴ 𝑁3 = 25.5𝑁
Pmax=25.5N before any slipping take place

(C)

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Example(9):-

The three flat blocks are positioned on the 30 incline as shown, and a force P parallel to the
incline is applied to the middle block. Determine the maximum value which P may have before
any slipping takes place.

Solution:-
There are two possible conditions for impending
motion.
1. The 50kg block slips and the 40kg block remains in
place.
F.B.D. (1) and (2)

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

(30 kg)
𝑁1 − 30(9.81) cos 30 = 0 𝑁1 = 255N
(50kg)
𝑁2 − 50(9.81) cos 30 − 255 = 0 𝑁2 = 680N F.B.D. 1
F1 = 0.3(255) = 76.5N
F2 = 0.4(680) = 272N
F.B.D.(2)

→ ∑ Fx = 0 F.B.D.2
P − 76.5 − 272 + 50(9.81)sin30 = 0 P = 103.1N
2 The 50kg and 40kg blocks move together with
slipping occurring between the 40kg block and the
incline.

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

165
 𝑁3 − 255 − 90(9.81) cos 30 = 0 ∴ 𝑁3 = 1019𝑁
F3 = 0.45(1019) = 459N

→ ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

76.5 + 459 − 90(9.81) sin 30 − P = 0 ∴ P = 94N

Pmax=94N, motion impends for the 50kg and 40kg as

a unit.

166
Example(10):-

Blocks A and B have a mass of 3kg and 9kg, respectively, and are connected to the weightless
links. Determine the largest vertical force P that can be applied at the pin C without causing
any movement. The coefficient of static friction between the blocks and the contacting surfaces
is µ=0.3.(the links are two force members such us the truss member).

Solution:-

From F.B.D. of pin C

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

FAC cos 30 − P = 0 FAC = 1.155P

→ ∑ Fx = 0

1.155 Psin 30 − FBC = 0 FBC = 0.5774P

From F.B.D. of block A

Pin C
→ ∑ Fx = 0

(1)FA − 1.155 P sin30 = 0 FA = 0.5774P

↑ ∑ Fy = 0

NA − 1.155P cos 30 − 3(9.81) = 0 NA = P +

29.43N (2) F.B.D of block A
From F.B.D of block B
→ ∑ Fx = 0
(3)0.5774P − FB = 0 FB = 0.5774P

↑ ∑ Fy = 0
F.B.D of block B
NB − 9(9.81) = 0 NB = 88.29N
If we assume block A slips first then

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FA = μNA = 0.3NA (4)
Subs (1) and (2) into Eq(4)
0.5774P=0.3(P+29,43) P=31.8N
subs into Eq(3)
FB = 18.4 N < (FB)max = μNB = 0.3(88.29) = 26.5N
Block B will not slip, thus the above assumption is correct.

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 Home Work
H.W(1)
Blocks A,B and C have weights of 50N,25N and 15N respectively. Determine the smallest
horizontal force P that will cause impending motion. The coefficient of static friction between
A and B is µ=0.3, between B and C is µ=0.4, and between block C and the ground is
µ=0.35.(Ans: P=45N)

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